******************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 24) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 68-year-old man.
The patient, who had chronic illness, presented with fever, shortness of breath, cough, chills and rigor on August 18. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital the next day. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on August 20. He is now in a critical condition.
His urine sample tested positive for serogroup 1 Legionella pneumophilia antigen.
The patient had no recent travel history. His home contact was asymptomatic. Investigation is in progress.
This is the 20th case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Seventeen cases were filed in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 37 in 2009.
Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, August 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:23
NNNN
